ALWAYS to have, to hold forever. The atmosphere of the A.F.Vandervorst SS19 show was ambrosial and mystical, indulged in the tradition of ethereal wedding dressing. Looking at some of the gowns, a thought of a corpse-bride-like scenario crossed one’s mind: with the dresses carrying the history of multiple generations, and maybe a curse or two.
The show, which took place at the experimental Spazio Bergognone in Milan, welcomed 29 unique looks from the designer, including 10 classic wedding dresses, all crafted around the idea of making the most special day of a woman’s life even more sacred. By deconstructing the wedding couture, by taking the vintage and repositioning it alongside modernity, A.F.Vandervorst gave the fashion world food for thought: while the tradition holds, does the expression have to stay the same?
The bride of today, while keeping the veil on, is offered the option of an asymmetric lace dress or a tux mainly consisting of an opulent bouquet of lilies. While you can also find more traditional flowing dresses, something about the details, the abundant decor, suggests that the fashion revolution will not leave this sacred ritual of a wedding untouched, making history for generations to come.
Aside from the breathtaking bridal part of the collection, A.F.Vandervorst showcased the mastery of incorporating the theme into every piece, from the use of signature wedding dress materials – fluid silk satins, crispy cotton poplins – to the galore of flower prints, not to mention fresh flowers. The latest shoes and accessories line is also entered around the idea of making the bride comfortable on her special day, including an assortment of flats from slippers and mules to sporty sandals and sneakers.
The Glass verdict: A.F.Vandervorst created magic, a bewitching ambiance around the collection that makes one rethink the bridal experience, adding utmost breeziness and chic to the wedding experience.
by Olga Kuznietsova